Course Content and Outcome Guide for PL 101

Course Number:

PL 101

Course Title:

Introduction to Law - Fundamentals

Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

0

Lecture/Lab Hours:

30

Lab Hours:

0

Special Fee:

Course Description

Covers sources and function of law in the United States, court systems and procedure, introductory legal analysis, and an overview of civil and administrative law. Prerequisites: WR 121. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course surveys our federal and state court systems, introduces civil and administrative procedure, introduces the substantive law of torts, and teaches the beginnings of legal analysis through case briefing, statutory construction and application of law and procedure to fact situations. A core course, required for a Legal Assistant Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Course Activities and Design

Course is a combination of lecture, discussion and problem-solving.Students work individually and in small groups. One court visit is required.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Grades are based upon completion of homework assignments (case briefs/problems, memo re court visit) (25%), mid-term (25%), and final exam (50%). The exams are a combination of open and closed book tests, requiring recall of material read and/or covered in class discussion or homework, and the ability to apply the law and procedure covered to new fact situations.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Demonstrate understanding of:

branches and basic functions of U.S. government; sources of law in this country; relationship between state and federal law; and civil and administrative procedure. Correctly cite a U.S. Supreme Court case and explain its meaning. Contribute to group analysis of cases/problems. Brief a case. Provide a well written, thorough analysis of a problem, by application of law and procedure to given facts, to arrive at a cogent and well supported conclusion.